More than 60 Australian Sports Stars Call for Federal Royal Commission After Bondi Beach Attack
More than 60 prominent Australian sportspeople have called for a federal royal commission into antisemitism, radicalisation, and the Bondi Beach attack in an open letter. The signatories include notable figures such as Lleyton Hewitt, Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe, Jessica Fox, Michael Clarke, Nova Peris, John Alexander, Raelene Boyle, Isaac Heeney, John Longmire, and John Eales.
The Bondi Beach attack, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people, has raised significant concerns about extremism in Australia. Despite this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted calls for a federal royal commission, instead supporting a national security review led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson. Albanese argues that a federal royal commission would be too broad and time-consuming. Meanwhile, the New South Wales government is planning to conduct a state-based inquiry.
The letter from the sports stars emphasizes that the issue transcends politics and calls for accountability, social harmony, and practical actions against extremism and terrorism. This follows earlier open letters from over 120 business leaders and public figures, as well as messages from Catholic bishops advocating for a national inquiry. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, the signatories note that the world's eyes will be on Australia, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues promptly and effectively.
